De’Anthony Thomas: Kansas City Chiefs’ Ankle-Breaker Returns to Practice

The Kansas City Chiefs roster is plagued with injuries at nearly every position, including running back. When Jamaal Charles limped off of Mile High’s field, the sky fell, Kansas City turned into an apocalyptic hellhole and mothers traded their first-born for batteries and 24-packs of Dasani.

At least, that’s how Twitter and Facebook told it.

Finally, a ray of light breaks though the overcast outlook that is the Chiefs’ 2014 season, as ankle-breaking assassin De’Anthony Thomas was cleared by the football gods to return to practice.

Per the Kansas City Star’s Terez Paylor, DAT was a limited participant. “Limited” isn’t the keyword; “participant” is.

Chiefs Spin’s Herbie Teope tweeted out the evidence:

Currently, Pro Football Focus’ (PFF) ratings slot Miami as No. 1 in run defense and pass rush, as well as No. 3 in coverage. Considering their first two opponents were New England and Buffalo, the Dolphins weren’t squaring off against slouches, either.

However, Thomas’ return can’t be understated. Offensive value aside, he was one of only three players to net a punt return touchdown this past preseason.  Of returners with multiple attempts under their belt, he also ranked first in average yards per return (27.8).

If Thomas is green-lighted for Sunday’s contest, Kansas City’s firepower will feature an additional round of explosiveness.

Statistics provided by Pro Football Focus (subscription required).